Week 5: Center Grove Church, Greenwood, Indiana

For the final week of the first half of summer, we welcomed Center Grove Church from Greenwood, Indiana, back to Glory Ridge for the first time in many years. Their Director of High School Ministries, Jordan, experienced Glory Ridge as a youth, and we were overjoyed to see him return—this time leading a youth group of his own.

Work projects continued at familiar sites. One group returned to Ms. Vickie’s, where we’d served with the Edenton group a few weeks earlier. This week’s tasks included laying down new flooring in a bedroom and replacing damaged drywall. But some of the most meaningful time was spent just sitting with Ms. Vickie on her porch swing, listening to her stories from childhood and her time working at the Hot Springs Spa. The group’s worksite leader, Mike, formed a deep and genuine friendship with her—something truly beautiful to witness.

Another crew returned to Peggy (our beloved “Sugah Dumplin’”) and Brittany’s home to stain the deck. The youth shared sweet moments getting to know these two kindhearted women. For our staff, it was especially meaningful to revisit the same homes and see how continued service over multiple weeks makes a lasting impact. This group also spent a day pressure washing and organizing the food pantry at the Walnut Community Center, continuing their spirit of hard work and generosity.

What truly set this week apart was evening worship. Jordan led a devotion series centered on the Parables, delivering thoughtful messages that struck at deep truths. The spiritual maturity of the group was clear in every session. One staffer shared how the youth attentively followed along in their Bibles, took notes, and stayed afterward to ask questions and continue discussions. “It felt more like an advanced Bible study than a devotion,” one person remarked.

But their faith didn’t stay confined to worship time. These youth lived out what they studied: treating one another with respect, serving neighbors with dignity and kindness, and always offering a helping hand or encouraging word. It was refreshing and inspiring to see the Lord so present and active in their lives.

We are deeply grateful for the selfless hearts Center Grove Church brought to the Ridge this summer, and we sincerely hope they’ll return again soon.

Written by Robert Hart (Team Lead 2025)